Historic Whitecember Walk Demands Safety And Rights For PNG's Children And Women

In an unprecedented display of advocacy, citizens, community leaders, and government officials completed a historic “Whitecember” walk from Sir John Guise Stadium to the National Parliament House this morning, marking Human Rights Day.

The event’s central theme was the urgent need to embed human rights, specifically the rights of children and women, at the core of all national development plans.

The walk championed by NCD Governor Powes Parkop, is the first of its kind to arrive at the nation’s political centre, elevating the banner for children’s rights and women’s rights.

Governor Parkop during his address highlighted the alarmingly high risks and diminishing space faced by women and girls.

 

Participants, including representatives from the National Council of Women, UNICEF, Department of Child Protection and Health Services from DfCDR, NCDC, community leaders, teachers from Erima Primary School, school children from NCDC Early Childhood Services and NGO’s made a powerful statement demanding the right to safety and equality in all areas of public life: in markets, on public transport (PMVs), in schools, in the workplace, and in the family unit.

Governor Parkop stressed that development should be measured not by GDP, but by the Social Development Index, the quality of life and human dignity afforded to all citizens. "We must redefine and reset our country's future.

The Government must walk the talk and demonstrate immediate, tangible leadership to enforce rights, protect the vulnerable, and ensure that our next 50 years are marked by social progress, not just economic growth." Said Governor Parkop.

Veera Mendorca who is the Head of UNICEF, congratulates the team and all participants led by a great leader, the NCD Governor Powes Parkop for a staging a true commemoration of Human Rights - reaffirming Children’s Rights in PNG.

“Governor Parkop’s leadership, National Birth Registration data and the Government’s Commitment for Health have given me hope for the Brighter Future for the Children in PNG,” said Mendorca.

This unprecedented walk serves as a powerful reminder that ensuring the safety and fundamental rights of Papua New Guinea's children and women is non-negotiable for true national progress.